Prized Protein

A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: GRILLED CERTIFIED A5 WAGYU BEEF ($35 PER OUNCE)

A well-marbled steak is the king of kings when it comes to quality meats. Marbling affects tenderness and moistness. Above it all, the secret of this prized meat lies in its fat, which is where all the flavor lives.

When looking at a raw slab of steak, a well-marbled cut has white specks distributed within the muscle (not those chunks of fat that gather on the outer ring of the meat). Because the fat is nicely distributed in between the muscle, when it is cooked, the fat melts and is absorbed by the surrounding muscle meat. The melting fat permeates incredible flavor creating unbelievably tender, juicy bites.

Because this meat is so prized, it is also hard to come by, however, Chef Chai on Kapiolani Boulevard happily has some in store.

“We ordered a (limited amount) of Certified A5 Wagyu. It is the best of wagyu and considered the best beef in the world,” says chef Chai Chaowasaree, adding that some cows can sell as up to $100,000 around the world.

But don’t worry, because at Chef Chai diners can experience the magical dish for only $35 an ounce. Be sure to hurry over, though, because this is only available while supplies last.

For those looking to fill up even further, Chef Chai has a full menu ready to be enjoyed. A favored choice includes the Early Bird Special. For only $42 per person, diners may dive into a glorious three-course meal starting with an appetizer sample comprised of four different dish offerings; a choice of the restaurant’s most popular entrees; and a dessert. Offered from 4 to 5 p.m., this is an ideal meal to kick things off early, especially before catching one of the upcoming shows at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, as Chef Chai’s is directly across the street.

TREAT YOURSELF

The 3-ounce serving of A5 Wagyu steak is a commodity in the meat-lover’s world and is melt-in-your-mouth good according to chef Chai Chaowasaree.

TAKE A SEAT FOR MEAT

The reason this steak is so tasty is because the cows this meat comes from are raised with special care.

EASY TO PLEASE

This dish is kept perfectly simple and served with a side of Hamakua mushrooms and creamy mashed potatoes so that diners may enjoy the full flavor, tenderness and juiciness of the cherished steak.